1. Purpose of the report and policy context

1.1 This report provides an update on healthcare services for trans people, with a focus on specialist services commissioned by NHS England. Appendix 1 contains detailed information on services provided by NHS and CVS partners.

2. Recommendations

2.1 That Committee notes the contents of this report.

3. Context and background information

3.1 In April 2022 the HOSC considered a member letter from Cllrs Powell and Allbrooke asking the committee to scrutinise health services for trans residents. The letter referenced the findings of the 2013 BHCC trans equalities scrutiny panel report, which had made a series of recommendations to improve trans healthcare, both in terms of local services (e.g. GP-led healthcare) and more specialist care (e.g. gender reassignment services provided in London). The member letter is included for reference as Appendix 2 to this report, and a link to the trans equalities scrutiny panel report is included in the Background Documents section.

3.2 HOSC members agreed to scrutinise this issue, and in July 2022 received a paper on locally commissioned health services for trans people. It had originally been intended to present a further paper focusing on NHSE commissioned services at the October 2022 HOSC meeting. However, at the time there was a live tender for a new Sussex-wide gender service, and it would not have been possible for commissioners to have discussed this contract in a public arena. The contract has now been let, so there are no longer any restrictions applying.

3.2 There are more details about the Sussex gender service in Appendix 1. Also included are details of NHSE commissioned services for children and young people, and specialist services for adults.

4. Analysis and consideration of alternative options

4.1 Not relevant to this information report.

5. Community engagement and consultation

5.1 No formal engagement in relation to this report for information. However, members may wish to note that the Clare Project has contributed to the information included in Appendix 1.

6. Conclusion

6.1 Members are asked to note the update on NHSE commissioned trans health services (Appendix 1), with particular reference to the launch of a new Sussex gender service.

7. Financial implications

7.1 None identified for this report to note.

8. Legal implications

8.1 There are no legal implications to this report to note.

9. Equalities implications

9.1 None directly for this report to note.

10. Sustainability implications

10.1 None identified.

Supporting Documentation

1. Appendices

1. Information of NHSE commissioned trans health services

2. Member letter from Cllrs Powell and Allbrooke (considered at the April 2023 HOSC meeting)

2. Background Documents

1. Trans Equalities Scrutiny Panel Report: https://www.brighton-hove.gov.uk/council-and-democracy/councillors-and-committees/trans-equality-scrutiny-panel-2013